Offbeat Paris: International Restaurants

If it’s your first time in Paris or you are only there for a short time, you should definitely eat as much authentic French food as possible! After all, sampling local cuisines is one of the very best parts of traveling. However, if you need a break from delicious pastries or just want to try something new on your next visit, here are some recommendations for international cuisine that you can devour in Paris.

Moroccan - Grand Mosque

Located in the 5th arrondissement across from le Jardin des Plantes is a beautiful mosque. You can enjoy small desserts and mint tea in the tea room (le salon de thé) or a meal in the restaurant. The pictures below are from the tea room and brought me back to my time in Morocco.

Lebanese- Marché des Enfants Rouge

This covered market located in the Marais is the oldest food market in Paris, dating back to 1615. You can find an assortment of food stalls here, including one for Lebanese food. If you are craving falafel, there are countless eateries throughout the city offering falafel and kabobs.

Falafel, veggies, salad (cilantro, onion, tomatoes), hummus, and a tzatziki-style dip with pita.

Indian/Pakistani - Sheezan

My goal is always to try as many different places as possible for food. I liked the naan and mango lassi so much at Sheezan (plus the super affordable prices), so I ended up visiting here twice. Best naan I’ve ever had (I got the garlic naan).

Kurdish- Urfa Durum

Located in the same neighborhood in the 10th as Sheezan, this restaurant offers fresh, warm bread and delicious kebabs.

Japanese - Sushi Magic buffet

An all-you-can-eat buffet in Chinatown (13th arr.) with so many choices! While you’re in the area, stroll through the Asian grocery stores and shops.

Italian - Casa Festa

This restaurant was recommended to me by a friend who makes it a point to visit this restaurant every time she is in Paris, and I am so glad I checked it out! For being located in the busy and touristy 1st arrondissement, this place has a very welcoming and local vibe. The owners treated everyone like family and even brought me a free drink while I waited for my meal. The ravioli was delicious!

Caribbean- Ground Control

This former railway depot and current food court and food truck eatery in the 12th is a bit out of the way from the main tourist area. If you want to check it out, you can also take a pleasant stroll on the nearby elevated walkway (Promenade Plantée). At my first visit here, I had fried plantains with a sweet dipping sauce and the best rice I’ve ever eaten from a Caribbean truck. It was a sweet coconut rice, and I’ve been craving it ever since.

German - Tarte flambée/Flemmekuche at Christmas markets

Originating from the Alsace region of France which used to be part of Germany, this pizza dish is a staple at any French Christmas market. It is made with crème fraîche, thinly sliced onions and lardons (bacon). Try it with a glass of Gewürztraminer, an aromatic white Alsatian wine.

Photo on left is from the market at La Defense, and the photo on the right is from the Christmas market in Colmar in the Alsace region.

Swiss - Raclette at Christmas markets

Christmas markets will have huge wheels of raclette cheese that they will melt over a bowl of potatoes with your choice of meat. It’s a wonderful delicious dish to keep you warm in the winter months. If you want a warm beverage to go with it, try the classic mulled wine (vin chaud) found at any holiday market.

American - 46 and 3rd & Boneshaker Donuts

46 and 3rd is the spot to go if you want an upscale American brunch experience. The food is very American but served with an artistic flair - it is Paris, after all!

Boneshaker donuts is run by an American and has specialty donuts that change monthly. This became a regular stop of mine.

The photos above show a caramel popcorn and a maple bacon donut, a pumpkin cream crème brûlée (my fav!), and one of their regulars - the boneshaker cream, a take on the classic Boston creme, with a dark chocolate and cardamom glaze.